My take on The Hobbit

Last night, my husband and I had dinner and a movie date night.   So, we flipped a coin to see who got to decide dinner and the movie.  I lost the call for picking the movie.   I knew my husband would pick  "The Hobbit".    Here is where the idea of compromise makes a good marriage.

Now before I ruffle the feathers of Tolkien fans, let me tell you why I already hate The Hobbit.     Long ago, way back in 1988, I sat in Mrs. Erwin's 3 rd period English class.    Mrs. Erwin was a good a teacher, but her taste in required reading material, to put it bluntly, SUCKED!  

I guess she thought 8th graders would appreciate a story that is packed with action, dwarfs, elves, wizards, strange creatures with hairy feet.  And maybe a majority of the 8th graders did and still do?  I don't know?  But, she got me and well,  I am a tough nut to crack. To me, the book was as dry as a popcorn fart.   I hated everyday, every page, and every sentence that I had to write in connection to The Hobbit. Then she forced that terrible Japanimation cartoon on us.  If you have never heard  Lenard Nimoy sing, torture yourself with this Hobbit flavored gem.  Sadly, not lost to the ages thanks to Youtube.    The hate and loathing of The Hobbit, has stuck with me.

So let's fast forward to Peter Jackson and his Tolkien love fest of films.  Sadly (?, possibly)  I married a man who loves them.    He drug me to see Return of the King, you can imagine my delight.     To quote one of Kevin Smith's master works, Clerks 2, " There is only one Return okay, and  it aint of the the king-....it's of the JEDI".  After seeing Clerks 2, I thank God, I am not the only person who felt the same way.   I spent 3 never ending hours, by the glow of my cell phone writing thank you notes during the film.   So, lets just say I came prepared with things to do by the glow of my cell phone.

When it comes to watching movies in the theater, my husband  is a bit like Dr. Sheldon Cooper.   If you aren't familiar with Sheldon's seat selection process, check out this youtube clip and you will understand what our seat selection process is like.  Okay, maybe not to the same extreme.  But, we have changed seats more then once to make sure we get the perfect spot.

We are all snuggled in our seats and the previews roll.  Dear God, how many crappy previews can you pack on before a movie??   I swear there was 30 minutes of previews!   I honestly can't remember any of them, because there wasn't one that I would even remotely want to pay money to see.  When the movies show up on HBO, I might watch one, but it is doubtful.   Don't get excited the next couple of months at movie theaters are going to be S---L---O---W.

The movie starts finally.   JOY! :/     I do compliment the set design  and costuming team.   They do an excellent job when it comes to set decoration and costuming.   These clearly are some of the best people working in film.   The attention to detail is beautiful and this is about the only good thing I can say from my point of view about the movie.

If you don't know the story, it is about Bilbo and an adventure that he is basically volunteered for.   It starts out with these dwarfs made homeless because a dragon (cue the Eddie Murphy voice from Mulan)    There is a scene where the dragon is swimming through these piles of gold.   I just busted out laughing because it reminded me of Uncle Scrooge swimming through his vault and I couldn't get the Duck Tales theme song out of my head after that.  

Much like the other Ring movies, the majority of the time, the characters and even the trees are walking.   In "The Hobbit", they  started out with horses but those are quickly lost and the characters  are walking the rest of the way.  

Gandalf is still smoking his "Old Toby" .  Puff, puff,  share Gandalf, which he does.  Because, Gandalf, Bilbo, the brown wizard, and few of the dwarfs are high as kites.     They get chased by orcs, the elves show up, the dwarfs end up in a cave and  ...Bilbo finds "the precious".   Enter Smigel/Gollum, the only character who might possibly have just as many or more personalities as Cybil.    

Well, guess what.... this is the point in which I fall asleep.    That's right, I fell asleep in the middle of "the Hobbit"!  I can hear all of you LOTR/Hobbit lovers, who proudly  whip out your Preciouses and sporting your elf ears, gasping for breath.    I missed the 20 logical ending points leading up to the end.   According to my husband,  the movie ends with the dragon waking up in his Scrooge McDuck piles of gold.

Am I looking forward to the next 2 Hobbit films? No!   not a fan and never will be....  I don't care how pretty they try to package it up.   No, I don't really want to give the book another try.   That ship sank and isn't going to be rediscovered.   For those of you who love the movies and books, good on you.   My wish is that Peter Jackson would learn to edit.   Hey Peter, I would like my $10.50 back.  Thanks!

It was still a great night all in all, I was happy with dinner.  My husband was happy with the movie.  We stopped for some ice cream on the way home.  All was good in the end.

World Vision Charitable Gifts

    Instead of buying another sweater for that hard to shop for person, give a gift that will truly impact the life of another.  

World Vision's Gift catalog offers more than 250 gifts online and in printed versions ranging in price from $16 to $39,000.  These gifts can be purchased in the name family members, teachers, co-workers, or a child,  including my affordable gifts under $50.    For the past couple of years, a friend of our family has donated a goat in our name.    My children were so thrilled by the idea of donating to children in another country.

The best part about these gifts, is that they are self-sustainable.  For example, a goat given to communities  in Africa are purchased in Africa.   This allows community development in some of the most poverty stricken villages.

Here are a few gift ideas:

* Goat ($75):  One of the most popular gifts.   Its milk provides protein for children and the surplus can be sold off.

Feed a family in the U.S. for a day ($16):  Here in the U.S, 1 in 5 children live in poverty.   Gifts givers can help restore hope to those  families who have been effected by disasters, homelessness, or job loss.

A child's education ($32): Supplying a child's school fees, textbooks, paper and pencils will help a child reach their true potential.

You can also help by donating to the Maximum Impact Fund.   The Maximum Impact Fund gifts help answer specific, urgent needs of children and families that might otherwise go unmet.   For example,  for a $25 donation, you will receive Gertie the Plush Goat, available exclusively through World Vision.   Gertie will be a delightful memento for your loved one of the hope you've given in his or her name.  At your request, the plush toy will arrive with a beautiful card explaining the impact of the donation.

Please consider giving a World Vision Gift this holiday season.   Both the gift giver and receivers will be truly blessed by your thoughtful gift.  





* I did receive a set of plush animals for the purpose of this post. I did not receive any other monetary compensation for this post.   All opinions expressed in this post are my own.  

Kung Fu Panda Holiday Dvd/Blu Ray

 If you have a Kung Fu Panda fan in your home, you will want to check out Kung Fu Panda Holiday now available on Dvd and Blu-Ray.    Snuggle up with some hot chocolate and enjoy this fun new holiday themed addition to the Kung Fu Panda franchise.

Synopsis:
In this hilarious action adventure, Master Shifu calls on Po to host the year’s biggest event - the Winter Feast, a special time of the year to celebrate family, tradition and the awesomeness of Kung Fu!  Po and the Furious Five must team up to throw the best celebration the Valley of Peace has ever seen.  Can Po pull off the perfect party, impress his heroes, and discover the true meaning of the Winter Feast?

Pinypon Party

I recently had the opportunity to host a Pinypon Party sponsored by Mommy Parties.  My daughter was thrilled when we received the HUGE box of goodies.  We received 2 Pinypon Caravans, 12 Pinypon dolls, and 2 Nenuco Newborn Baby dolls.  







We included our Pinypon party in with my daughter's birthday celebration.  This year, we hosted 6 girls ages 4-7.   They had a wonderful time eating cake and ice cream, then playtime.   We started out with a Pinypon scavenger hunt.   When the girls found a card, they could  turn it in to receive their own Pinypon.    Once all of the girls had their own doll, playtime was on.   One thing that I noticed the girls really enjoyed was mixing and matching the different Pinypon parts to create a new girl.



The caravan includes several features of play with the shower, small boat, surf boards, and my daughter said it was also an ice cream truck.   The girls loved the water feature in the caravan.   The little shower works so Pinypons could enjoy some water fun.


The only downside to these adorable little dolls is the amount of small parts.  Since we have a 9 month old, they posed a major choking hazard.  I gave the girls a container to keep all of the parts in and made sure they were all picked up when they finished.








The Newborn baby was also a big hit.  I heard a lot of giggles after giving the baby a bottle.



Overall, the girls had a wonderful time playing together.   Each left with their own Pinypon and goodie bag and one lucky girl got to take home a caravan as well.  In the spirit of Thanksgiving, my daughter and I decided that we would give the other baby doll to Toys for Tots.  We are lucky to have these types of opportunities and wanted to share.

Pinypons would make great gifts or stocking stuffers for this holiday season.  









To find out more about Pinypon, you can find them on Facebook and Twitter. 
To find out more about Nenuco, visit their website or you can find them on Facebook or Twitter.






I received sample products from Pinypon and Nenuco through Mommy Parties for the purpose of this review.   I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post.  All opinions expressed in this post are my own.  

This is what a Monster High scalper looks like

This is one of the things that I hate the most about Black Friday shopping.  It is people like this guy, who make holiday shopping frustrating.   All parents have felt the frustration of not being able to find that one toy your child wants.
 I know with the Monster High dolls,  my husband and I looked for almost 6 months before we found an Abbey doll for our daughter.    There were plenty on Ebay selling for $60 or more, but I wasn't willing to pay that for one doll because of ******** like this guy wanting to make a profit.

Share this youtube video with other Monster High fans and put these scalpers out of business.

Small Business Saturday- Show your support!

Today is Small Business Saturday.   Show your support by visiting and shopping at your local retailers.   Shopping local is one of the best ways to help support and improve your local economy.  

You can also support small businesses on Etsy.     I love shopping on Etsy, because I find things that can't be found in mass retail stores.  

Carmex Everyday Lip Conditioner Review

Carmex has added a new Everyday  Lip Conditioner to their product line.  As part of the Carmex Blog Squad,   I recently had the opportunity to try out this new lip conditioner, which is unlike other lip balms.     

This is probably my favorite Carmex product that I have tested. .  The lip conditioner has 13 moisturizing ingredients for soft, smooth lips.   I really love the way it feels when applied.  It feels almost like a lotion for your lips, but not greasy at all.  It has a matte finish, which I really loved.  It makes it very easy to use with or without lipstick.  

The fragrance/flavor is this wonderful orange scent, which is very different from the usually Carmex fragrance.  It is not over powering or artificial tasting.  It will remind you of orange creamcicles.

The lip balm comes in mini 0.2 ounce squeeze tubes with a slanted applicator for easy application.  You can purchase the new Carmex Lip Conditioner at your favorite drugstore or mass market retailer.


If you are interested in more information about Carmex Products,  visit MyCarmex.com, Like on Facebook or  Follow on Twitter.

Free Walgreens 8x10 photo

Get a free 8x10 photo print at Walgreens when you use coupon code FREE2THANK at check out.   This code is good through 11/24

Kid Crafts- Scented Pumpkin Pie slice magnets

Sometimes it is hard to wait for the big Thanksgiving dinner.   Here is a quick craft idea that will keep the kids busy.  With a few household items, this craft will allow you a few minutes to put the finishing touches on your Thanksgiving feast.


Materials:
paper plate cut into triangle pieces
crayons- orange, brown
glue-  either glue stick or white school glue
cinnamon
white tissue paper
self adhesive magnet stripes


 1.)  Cut your paper plate into  triangle pieces.

2.)  Have the children color their pie wedge orange (for the filling) and brown (for the crust)

3.)  After they have colored their slice of pumpkin pie, use a little bit of glue and sprinkle on cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.

4.)  For the finishing  touch, because no pie is complete without some whipped cream.  Bunch up a small piece of white tissue paper  to make the whipped cream.    

Allow time for the glue to dry then add your magnet.




You can also make variations like pizza slices.   For the pizza, you need the paper triangles, red construction paper circles,  yellow stripes of tissue or construction paper, and Italian seasoning.







For tacos-  Instead of triangles, cut small circles from the paper plate.   Red construction paper circles, stripes of yellow and green tissue or construction paper, yellow and brown crayons, and taco seasoning or cumin.  

Wordless/Not So Wordless Wednesday: Handprint Turkeys

This is probably my favorite holiday tradition that our family has.   I purchased a large table cloth just before my son's first Thanksgiving.   Each year, we put a new handprint turkey on the table cloth.   Over the years, it has grown with our family.



Our littlest one added her first print.



It is amazing to see how big the turkeys get from year to year

Anybody hoarding Hostess snacks?

Thanks to the popularity of "Zombieland" no one wants to be caught in an zombie apocalypse without a Twinkie.

Thanks to the impending doom of Hostess and the movies, my husband decided that we should stock up.    Really?  was my only thought.   I heard the argument, "This is my childhood!" coupled with a story to go along with the golden snack cake.

I guess others had the same idea.  There has been an explosion of Twinkie/Hostess Snacks auctions on  Ebay with auctions ending at ridiculous amounts.    I asked my husband if we would be profiting from the snack cake buffet he procured from the gas station.    The answer I got was NO!  which then lead to a lengthy monologue about childhood, Twinkies surviving  nuclear war, extinction and somehow the dodo bird got thrown in there too.

Now in 8 years of marriage, this is the first time that a Twinkie has been in our home.   Our children thought they were in heaven.  Because sadly (??), ironically (??)  not sure what word to use here, our children had NEVER  had a Twinkie.   I honestly can not tell you the last time I had a Twinkie.  My best guess would be sometime in the mid 80's.  I remember taking trips to the bread outlet stores to stock up.   My grandparents would have them in the pantry for after school snacks.

I guess there is good news for  all of the Twinkie fans.  There may still be a chance that Twinkies survive.  The company has been put into mediation.  But, just in case things don't work out,   several questions have come to mind:

Do/Did  Twinkies really  taste good?

Twinkies are so firmly attached to popular culture. Is it that nostalgia we associate with them makes our minds think they are delicious?

What does a world without Twinkies look like?   I mean admittedly, for me, it has been 20 plus years since I really had a Twinkie on a regular basis.   But, what does a world without Twinkies mean?  I guess there will be a shortage of fried fair food.   In 20 years, will we see preserved Twinkies in museums?


Of course, there is always Little Debbie, but is that really the same?


Share your thoughts...

Kohls- Take 20% off online orders of $75

Just for Facebook fans, Kohls is offering an additional 20% online purchases of $75 or more.

Twinkies vs. Mayans

Saw this on Facebook today and it made me laugh.

New Chanukah House Kits from Manischewitz and contest

Sometimes, those who celebrate Chanukah get over looked in all of the holiday celebrations.   Manischewitz is now making these adorable new  Chanukah House kits.    The kits include everything you need to make a tasty house, cookies, icing, and decorating accents.   

They are also hosting a contest.  It’s simple to enter; participants submit a photo of their completed Chanukah House to the Manischewitz Facebook for a chance to win prizes of money or Manischewitz products.  The contest runs until December 15th, 2012

North Pole Reindeer Cam

One of the things that my children love about the holidays is checking in on the reindeer at Santa's village.   If you haven't checked out reindeercam.com   your children will love it.   Starting November 16th, Santa will start feeding the reindeer at 11 am, 6 pm, and 9 pm EST  everyday until Christmas Day.

I am boycotting Black Friday

Since my husband and I have been married, we always have had great fun camping out waiting for Black Friday deals.   This year, we are boycotting the big box retailers who are choosing to open on Thanksgiving Day.    I personally feel that these stores are showing little respect to their employees and their families.

I mean really, you can't wait a few more hours to open your doors?   Who needs a 50 inch tv, pajamas, and $5 crock pot that badly?

Life is short, embrace and spend time with the ones you love.  You can live without the door buster prices.

Fanboy Expo: Autographs, Photo Ops, and Toys!

This past Saturday, my family and I took a little road trip to Knoxville, TN to attend the Fanboy Expo.   This year the sci-fi convention had some really great celebrity guest in attendance.  For us, we were most excited to meet Adrian Paul from The Highlander tv series and Tim Rose, puppeteer and Admiral Ackbar from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

My husband really loved The Highlander tv series so meeting "Duncan MacLeod" was exciting to him.   I do have to say that I love Adrian Paul's accent.  Listening to him talk during is Q&A session was great.   He was funny and genuinely seemed to enjoy meeting his fans.

I know my husband had wished that he could have spoken with him longer.  DH has always loved The Highlander.   As a gift one year, I bought my husband all 6  seasons on DVD.   We had this epic Highlander marathon one weekend.   That of course was before we had children and our TV got hijacked by Nickelodeon.

We took a short break after meeting Adrian Paul.  His line was the longest of the day for our family.  The kids were ready for a change of pace.    The venue for the event was held at a park, which was great! The kids were able to get outside and run around for a little bit.  After a bite of lunch, they were happy again.

For me, the highlight of our time there, was meeting Tim Rose.   Since, my Star Wars costume is Admiral Ackbar, it was a true pleasure to meet the man who actually portrayed the character. As a puppeteer he has worked on some of my favorite movies.  Return of the Jedi, Howard the Duck (cheesy but awesome), and Dark Crystal.   I went total nerd and brought my costume for 2 reasons.  1.) To get a picture with Mr. Rose and 2.) to enter the costume contest.    I mean, how often do you have to opportunity to meet the actors?

I really wished that I had the opportunity to speak with him a little bit longer.  I would have loved to have learned more from him about being Ackbar.

I am proud to say that I did win  for best costume in the "Best Sci-Fi" category.   I won an autographed poster.  It was signed by a graphic novel artist.  I am totally finding some place to display it.  As far as I am concerned, it is a trophy of sorts.

We did meet several other Star Wars actors.  My husband added their signatures to one of our multi signed pieces.

Of course, you can't go to a con without hitting the vendors area.   I only picked up a few items to add to my assorted toy collections.  My first purchase came in the way of Mr. Staypuft.   I have been fighting starting a Ghostbusters toy collection.  But, I just love that movie so much!  I never had any of the toys as a kid.  So I gave in and got the beloved marshmallow.  He really is in excellent condition.  The color is still white, no yellowing and no marks.

I need 2 more Ghostbuster figures, Slimer, and maybe an Ecto1 for my collection to be complete.

My second purchase was a bag of assorted Harry Potter action figures from the first 2 movies.   I paid $15 for the bag, which was reasonable for the 15 figures it contained.    I finally got a Ron Weasley in Hogwarts robes!  Which to me, made the bag.   I also picked up a Griphook figure and 3 of the Slime Chamber figures (2 Harrys and a Malfoy).   Some of the figures are extras or upgrades to the ones I already own.   I also was able to upgrade my large Hagrid figure by adding his pink umbrella accessory to him.  Now, if I can locate a baby Norbert, he will be complete.

I really love the mini Quiddich Harry and Hagrid figures.  I have been researching  more information on the "mini" figures.   My HP figure short list is growing.  I am now on the look out for a Ginny Weasley mini figure.

Thrifty Finds: Hallmark Ornamets and a super hero tot

Last weekend, we went to 2 of our local Goodwill stores trying to find a few pieces that would be useful to put the finishing touches on all of the children's Halloween costumes.   I guess it was a good day at the Goodwill because we actually found everything that was on our list.

Of course, while I am there, I can not pass up looking through the "Bags of Fun" for vintage toys.

This time no toys were really found, just some great Christmas ornaments that I will happily add to our tree.

The 2 carousel animals do not have any makers information that I can find.  I was hoping that I would be able to get more information on them.

The 2 Little Mermaid ornaments are Hallmark.  The first one I believe is the 2009 "Merry Coral Christmas Tree"  It is missing some parts, but I don't think it is terribly noticeable.  
The second ornament is from 1997.   I recognized it right away, because I actually already owned one of these ornaments.

The Daisy Duck ornament is from 2000.  It is the Disney Baton Twirler and is #4 in the series.

I also found this Super Hero, Supergirl Tot.   These were kid's meal toys that were given out at Sonic restaurants back in the summer.   I am still looking for the Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl, and Aquaman.

Amazing Pumpkin Carving

This is one of our pumpkins from last year.  For the pumpkin carving overachievers,
Babble.com has a great gallery of 14 amazing carved pumpkins.   I feel really happy if I get 3 triangles and a mouth carved into our pumpkins.    The pumpkins they are featuring, some are truly works of art.

I Spy

Change-  The best symbol of change this time of year is the leaves.   It is still a little early, but there are some changes starting.




Your Choice-  This is an older picture, but I just love the way it looks.

Wordless Wednesday- Count Chocula

It is just not Halloween without a little Count Chocula.

Nature's Own Oatmeal Toasters Halloween Recipe

If you are looking for some more Halloween fun at lunch or snack time, try out this cute recipes using  Nature's Own Oatmeal Toasters.


This morning my children made Jack-O-Toasters for breakfast.  Oatmeal Toasters are whole grain squares that are a cross between a bagel and an English muffin with oats and sweet fruit.   They are available in cinnamon raisin and orange cranberry varieties.


We varied the recipe slightly opting for peanut butter for breakfast, instead of marshmallow fluff.  But, we used the marshmallow fluff version of the recipe as a fun snack time treat.

Jack-o-Toasters

Servings: 5 Ready in: 5 minutes

Marshmallow Fluff Version

Ingredients: 

Five Nature's Own Oatmeal Toasters (Cranberry Orange or Cinnamon Raisin flavor)

Jack-o-lantern cookie cutter

All natural marshmallow fluff

Orange and green food coloring

raisins

1. Take each Oatmeal Toaster square and using the Pumpkin cookie cutter, create five "jack-o-lanterns"

2. Mix 1/4 cup of marshmallow fluff with orange food coloring

3. Mix a tablespoon of marshmallow fluff with green food coloring

4. Spread the orange mixture on the the Oatmeal Toaster, topping the pumpkin with green mixture

4. Add raisins to create the eyes and mouth of the pumpkin

If you are interested in other recipe ideas using Nature's Own Oatmeal Toasters or other products, visit Nature's Own website. 



*disclosure:  I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post.   I did receive a sample product for the purpose of this post.  

Monster High Ghouls Rule DVD available tomorrow!

My children and I are huge Monster High fans.   We can not wait to see to watch Ghouls Rule!  The DVD will be available tomorrow October 9th.  You can check out the extended trailer.   



Synopsis:
Monster High™: Ghouls Rule!, marks the first direct-to-DVD animated, feature-length film to be released by Mattel’s Monster High™ brand in partnership with Universal Pictures. Featuring CG animation, Monster High™: Ghouls Rule!, chronicles Halloween at the most fang-tastic school in town – and things are about to get scary! For years, students were warned that Halloween is a day when the “Normies” torment and taunt innocent monsters. But when Frankie Stein™ and her friends discover that ghouls used to rule Halloween, the monsters revolt against tradition! They decide to take back Halloween and restore it as a day when monsters celebrate their individuality and show everyone that it’s okay to Be Yourself. Be Unique. Be a Monster.™!


*disclosure:  No compensation was received for this post.  

Chip & Dip Layered Jack O Lantern

I found this really cute layered dip idea on Tablespoon.com's facebook page today.   For the complete recipe check out the link.

Lowes Build and Grow - Ghoul Bus 10/13/12

The Lowes Build and Grow Workshop for 10/13/12 will be building a Ghoul Bus.   Perfect for Halloween.   These workshops are a lot of fun.  Each child gets to build a project to take home, along with safety goggles and work apron.

I Spy

Look Up:



Your Choice:

Partylite ScentGlow Autumn Pumpkin Warmer Review

I love decorating my home for the Fall. One of the easiest ways to decorate is with candles.   They are so versatile ans can be dressed up or down for any occasion.  They add an instant coziness to my home that is such a welcome part of the fall and winter months.

Being the parent of young children, I have gotten away from regular candles.  I have been opting more for flameless candles  and scent warmers.   Both are just as beautiful, providing the same comfort and scents  to the home.    
I recently received the beautiful Autumn Pumpkin warmer from Partylite.   

  The white pumpkin warmer is perfect for autumn and Halloween decorations.    The electric warming plate heats and diffuses the fragrance throughout the house.  The pumpkin is made in three parts.   You can leave the lid off to create a stronger scent.  A hidden LED light provides a welcoming glow.   

I really have loved the Halloween Night Scent.  The catalog describes the scent as a, " Rich butterscotch, vanilla and spices are slowly stirred into a batch of warm, sugary caramel. It's a gooey, creamy, sinfully sweet treat."   There is something about it that reminds you of a cool night and the scent of Halloween candy. 



If you are interested in learning more about Partylite products, you can visit their website to find more beautiful decorating ideas.  You can also find a consultant in your area.  
  

   
* I did receive a sample item for the purpose of this review.  All opinions expressed are my own.  I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post.  

Wordless Wednesday- falling leaves

Felt Zombie Craft

My oldest daughter and I went to the library yesterday.   She had a great time picking out just about every Halloween book she could find.   Needless to say, Halloween is her favorite time of the year.   We found this really cute book about making zombies out of felt.  My daughter said, "Mom, we need to make these!"  

The book is, Zombie Felties by Nicola Tedman & Sarah Skeate.
It has easy to follow instructions for 16 "gruesome" felt creatures.   The Micheal Jackson inspired "Thrilla" feltie is super cute.

When we got home we pulled out some felt, needles and thread.  While my youngest napped, my older daughter and I had a great time cutting out the shapes.  Our first project was the Zombie Bride.   She isn't exactly like the book version, but we love her.

The project instructions are easy to follow.   The little creatures could be made by older children.  Most involve simple stitching and some glued parts.

We have already started cutting out the pieces for the Pumpkin Zombie.   I hoping that we can make several of our favorites before the end of the month.  

This post is linked to Transformation Thursday

Frankenweenie Salty Bones Recipe

My children are can not wait to see Frankenweenie when it opens October 5th.    In honor of Sparky, I thought I would share this cute Halloween snack idea for Salty Bones snacks.

no compensation was received for this post. 

Decorating with Spider Rings

Today, I started putting out some of my Halloween decorations.   This year my children seem extra excited.   This year will be a little bit more fun since our little girl is older and more into holidays.
 One of my favorite things about Halloween is spider rings.  I have loved them since I was a child.   There is something just fun about them.   The other great thing about them is that they are inexpensive and you can buy them in bulk.    I love to find new ways to use them around the house.

spiders everywhere!

Just hanging around

One place that I think they make look especially festive is the light fixture above our dinning room table.    You simply snip the ring open, then stack them on the light fixture.    It takes about 100 spiders to cover my hanging light fixture, for a cost of about $3.

A few other ideas for spider rings:
  let the kids string them to make a garland.
they can be used for napkin holders
decorations for cakes or cupcakes
use gray thread or fishing line to have them hanging around a mirror